Paddlers assembled ahead of Edge Group Scotland’s 50-plus-mile Edge to Edge Expedition.
Edge Group Scotland programme participants and staff prepare to paddle from Glasgow to Edinburgh as the organisation calls on more businesses and supporters to get behind its biggest challenge yet.
The paddlers are assembling, the Mega-SUP is ready and preparations are stepping up as Edge Group Scotland gets set to tackle more than 50 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh in September.
On Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September, a relay team of Edge Group Scotland programme participants and staff will take on the Edge to Edge Expedition, travelling along Scotland’s Lowland Canals on one multi-person Mega-SUP.
The two-day challenge marks Edge Group Scotland’s tenth birthday and aims to raise £20,000 towards a third minibus, helping the organisation create more opportunities for the young adults it supports to learn, develop skills and build confidence out in the real world.
Programme participants are playing an active role throughout the preparation and delivery of the expedition; from route research, fundraising and communications to event preparation, support roles and taking their own place on the Mega-SUP.
The relay will begin at Speirs Wharf in Glasgow, with paddlers changing throughout the 50-plus-mile route. The team will also have to carry the board around locks and other sections that cannot be paddled.
On the morning of the second day, the expedition will include a memorable transit through the Falkirk Wheel before the team continues towards the finish line in Edinburgh.
For Edge, however, the challenge is about considerably more than completing the distance.
The expedition is creating opportunities for programme participants to develop teamwork, communication, decision-making, confidence and problem-solving skills in a demanding real-world setting.
Claire Runciman, Marketing Manager at Edge Group Scotland, said:
“The Edge to Edge Expedition is undeniably a huge challenge, but the distance is only part of the story.
“Our programme groups are not simply watching the expedition happen. They are helping plan it, promote it, fundraise for it and deliver it, and some will be taking their place on the Mega-SUP.
“That is Edge in action: real responsibility, real teamwork and opportunities to put skills into practice out in the world.
“Every organisation supporting us has helped turn what began as a very ambitious idea into something achievable. We are incredibly grateful to our founding partners, and we hope their involvement will encourage more businesses and organisations to support us.”
Partners helping turn the challenge into reality
The expedition is already being backed by businesses and organisations helping Edge Group Scotland turn an ambitious idea into a challenge the team can actually deliver.
Scottish Canals has supported the expedition from the early planning stages, sharing its knowledge of the Lowland Canals and enabling the team to transit the Falkirk Wheel.
LNER’s Passenger Assistance team is supporting awareness and fundraising activity connected with the expedition at Edinburgh Waverley, building on its existing work with Edge to provide practical travel-training opportunities for programme groups.
Expedition Partner nexus24 is providing financial support, professional drone footage at key points including the Falkirk Wheel and Edinburgh finish, and public relations support to help the expedition reach a wider audience.
Graeme Hogge, Managing Director of nexus24, said:
“Nexus24 have been aware of the great work Edge Group Scotland do to assist young people for a few years now, especially with the Edge Woods Project at Eskmills. When we found out about this fund-raising Expedition, we had to get involved.
“We have supported loads of fundraisers over the last 19 years and this just seemed a bit different, and loads of fun. We’re aware Edge Group Scotland doesn't get the same funding and support that charities do so this drove us even more to help in all ways we can.”
Edinburgh Self Storage has also backed the expedition as an Expedition Partner, providing financial support towards the challenge.
Simon Hodgson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Self Storage, said:
“We’re delighted to back this brilliant challenge and the vital work Edge Group Scotland does for young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
Eskmills and Red Equipment are also supporting the challenge as Supporting Partners.
More supporters needed as expedition approaches
With the expedition now just weeks away, Edge Group Scotland is inviting more businesses, organisations and individuals to get behind the team and help push the fundraising total towards its £20,000 target.
Edge Group Scotland is a limited company and specialist social care provider, not a charity, and is raising funds specifically towards the purchase of a third minibus.
For Edge, minibuses are much more than transport.
They allow programme groups to access workplaces, volunteering opportunities, outdoor activities, travel training and community-based learning throughout Edinburgh, East Lothian and the surrounding areas.
A third vehicle would reduce the restrictions caused by limited transport availability and create more opportunities for young adults to develop practical skills where they matter most - out in the real world.
Businesses and organisations can support the expedition through financial partnership, fundraising, practical assistance, professional services or specialist expertise.
Individuals and community groups can also support the team by donating, organising a fundraiser, sharing the expedition or cheering them on along the route.
50+ Miles | 2 Days | One Mega-SUP
Further information about the expedition, its partners and the different ways to get involved is available online:
Edge to Edge Expedition Information:
https://www.edgegroupscotland.com/edge-to-edge-expedition
Meet the Expedition Partners:
https://www.edgegroupscotland.com/edge-to-edge-partners
Businesses and organisations interested in supporting the expedition can find out more here:
https://canva.link/edge-to-edge-sponsorship
Donate through GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/edge-to-edge-expedition-10-years-of-going-further